[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/26/2012: Ceci from Dubai, United Arab Emirates: "Hello there, I have been taking euthyrox 50mg for 10.5 months with regular visits to my doctor my initial thyrod level was 9.6 but after regularly taking the medication 50mg everyday and 75mg once a week I have managed to drop my thyrod level to 2.9, my last blood test was 1 month ago.... I have noticed since the medication gaining weight slowly and my dr said you have probebly change you eating habits (which in fact I didnt) now after 10.5 months I'm already 5.5Kg extra on what I was when I started the medication my dr as well as the little reasearch that I've done all confirmed that this medication will actually make me loose weight this never happened I keep gaining and gaining now I'm following a certain diet trying to eat less bread and carbs and sweets although this never been the case in my life I always ate what I wanted..... can someone please advice if me gaining weight is a side affect of euthyrox 50...."

03/19/2012: Sony from La, Usa replies: "Hi, your msg. frightens me. I am on euthyrox since Oct'11 25mg daily and I have noticed a consistent weight gain since then. I have told my doctor about this, and he says be patient, you are actually supposed to lose weight on this , but you are giving me mixed signals. He increased the dosage by 25mg for one day of the week, and I think he wants to see what happens. As the visits are every two months, I think that I am in for a long wait , to see how my body reacts to teeny weeny increases.... I too have gained about 5 kg and very upset about it, despite controlled eating. I am on the verge of ditching the meds, but I have seen an improvements in other areas so dont want to give up on those. Instead I am now thinking of starting daily exercise of at least 1 hour a day, may be this will help.... But if it does, then it wont be the medication, it will be the excersise and I wont know for sure... I am confused as you are...."

12/16/2011: Erika : "Wondering if anyone can help. I've been recently (2 wks ago) diagnosed as hypothyroid. My OB wanted to put me on Synthroid, but due to reading on this site (about fog brain and libido), I chose Armour Thyroid over that. She wasn't pleased to deal with it (as it is a pig's thyroid-OMGoodness! ;)), and said she didn't know how to prescribe it, but did it anyway and only prescribed 1/4 grain/day. I am considered borderline, but really for a younger woman of childbearing years (40), they'd actually like to see my numbers even lower.

I immediately started research here for natural healing and added coconut oil to my daily intake of food (about 1and 1/2 or 2 Tbsp/day). Also, 4 days ago, I found a kelp supplement w/ added folic acid and started that, 1/day. At the same time, I found Ashwaganda and a B-stress formula and started taking those 2x's a day. I've been unable to find the Guggul and the Bauhinia as of yet.

I also had started ACV (about 2Tbsp. + water +honey around 2x's a day) about a week before this diagnosis, as I had just found this website and read that it would help my asthma. Unbelievably, my asthma practically disappeared w/i 2 days. Weirdest thing I've ever seen! I have used my Xopenex inhaler 3times w/i the last 3 weeks, but only on the nights when I had neglected to take my ACV that day. Before that, I had been using it 3 to 4 times A DAY!, 2 puffs each time, and it was getting worse by the day! Oh, and I have OPed with Coconut Oil about 4 or 5 times during this time too (only once before my asthma went away though, so I attribute it's disappearance to the ACV, not the OP).

My husband made the comment to me yesterday that I seem to have gotten worse since being diagnosed. (I only started the Armour 2 mornings ago). I agree that I seem to be even more exhausted than normal and the only thing I can think of is that maybe I'm detoxing because of the OPing and the ACV, and the coconut oil in general? I would not be surprised in the least if I have a system wide Candida issue. I think I read somewhere about "die-off"? Can you explain this to me and tell me what I would need to do to help it along? It's Christmas of course, so it is not real probable for me to get off sugar until January. Even then, I will struggle tremendously. I am truly addicted to chocolate and crave a sweet (hot chocolate, cookies, cheesecake, hot fudge sundae, etc...) before going to bed at night. :(

Are there other things I could be doing for hypothyroidism that I am not currently doing? I find it difficult to get enough time on here to read everything as I have 3 children and am SO exhausted! Do I need to take more coconut oil than I am? More Kelp? More B? More herbs? Oh, and what is the difference between cold pressed and expeller pressed? Mine is from Radiant Life and is expeller pressed. Also, do I really have to take 2 days off the ACV every wk. to get it to work best? I'm concerned about my asthma coming back. I hate being dependent on the inhaler.

I know that I have more questions, but due to the fog brain, I can't remember them all. My memory is shot. I walk around all day knowing I'm supposed to be doing something, but can't remember what. Please help!"

12/17/2011: Timh from Louisville, Usa replies: "Erika, my hypothyroid was off the charts a yr ago, and small nodule, but is now normal. My regimen wasn't completely like yours but some similarities. I had severe side effects to the Levothyroxine with only 2 doses. I used magnet therapy daily on each gland for almost 1yr. I finally broke down and decided the Kelp thing wasn't enough and the povidone iodine may not be suitable, and began liquid potassium iodine. A few weeks of daily LPI I experienced a sudden symptoms of radiation sickness. I took some pectin fiber and sodium bicarbonate to deal with the radiation (I assume). Normal now. Oh, I also took raw thyroid glandular daily for several months.

Hope this helps and good luck."

02/24/2013: Worldspice from Uppsala, Sweden replies: "Watch out so you don´t overdo it! I screwed up my liver because I started taking like 20 supplements at the same time. They have no time to work separately, so you do need to stop the madness. Take the kelp and ACV and wait with the VCO because it is actually cleansing your liver and will make you worse for couple of weeks, so when you start with it, you need to be sure that you don't take anything else! Good luck!"

12/13/2010: T from Austin, Tx, Usa replies: "I had the same issue as you mentioned. I do a combination of acupuncture and chinese herbs, along with chiropracter once monthly who suggested taking "CHIRO-ZYME T1 to T12 Rbs" (I take that one, three times daily with meals). I eat 2 tablespoons of Artisana Coconut Butter (not oil) fisr thing in the morning in addition to cooking with coconut oil. I completely eliminated soy products (despite being vegetarian). Found other sources of gluten free and soy free protein, in addition to cooking/eating at home. I also add to my diet daily Sea vegetables organic sold in plastic bags in the Asian aisles of most grocery stores. Dulse, seaweed and any other sea veg that has iodine content in it. Finally I replaced regular sea salt with 'Sea Seasonings Organic KELP Granules'. Found relief in approx 2 weeks of doing so. Once energy returned included daily exercise and am at a much better place. I was told by my chiropractor to NOT take traditional meds for this since it worsens the thyroid making it dependent on the meds for a very long time. Hope this helps!"

[YEA]  02/28/2012: Tominco from Ft. Collins, Co, Usa: "At the beginning of last October after my last annual blood test, I tried Anatabloc, a new over-the counter anti-inflamatory nutriceutical for secondary hypothroidism. I was my last hope before going to a doctor and it worked better than I hoped. Anyway, I saw on the web some speculation that it would also be effective for BPH and even though my PSA level was only 1.30, it has been slowly rising for the last 7 years. I got another blood test at the beginning of February that focused on thyroid associated hormones and a PSA test. My TSH level went from 0.3 to 2.8 and my PSA level went from 1.30 to 0.60. I'm a happy camper. One other thing that I noticed is that the rheumatoid arthritis in my hands no longer hurts."

02/07/2010: Margaret from Carrot Creek, Alta: "Hypothyroid

I have been on Eltroxin for thyroid for a few years. Lately my heart started palpitations. Had a blood test done. It came back that my thyroid was underactive again. Dr. increases my meds from 50 to 100. Had another test done in two weeks and it came back normal. But I still have heart palpitations. How long does it take for the meds to settle my heart. Do you think I should try some virgin coconut oil or kelp supplements? Or would this give me more palpitations??"

02/08/2010: Jhopkins from Chapel Hill, Tn replies: "First research adrenal fatigue. Seems that adrenal is the primary cause of hypothyroidism (among other issues). If you start to treat your adrenals (primarily with eating foods to nurture it and supplements as well), then you will see improvement in your thyroid. Heart palpitations in my experience never seemed to have lasted long. That is a little concerning that you are having heart palpiations for so long. Ask your doctor to back off a level as your issue is really concerning you. or ask for a different brand. From what I understand Kelp and VCO are good places to start, but it gets confusing to me. Should I first look into healing the adrenals and then look into the thyroid...or does it all just fall in place?"

01/11/2010: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Hi Sharon, I had my thyroid "fried" several years ago, started w/Synthroid, now take 200 mcg of Levothyroxine. I don't ingest ACV consistently. When I did take it for a period of time, I saw no effect toward my med....I took it in the evening so as not to disturb the absorption - you know how you should avoid dairy for so many hours within taking the med, etc. - I haven't found that any supplement I've ingested has affected the med, actually, and I've dabbled with St. John's Wort, Maca, Cellfood and have just started with 15 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in 6 ounces of water. I take colloidal silver on occasion or echinacea to ward off a cold; sometimes ingest a sublingual B complex which seems to help when the corners of my mouth are dry and cracked....listen to your body and just stop if it feels wrong. Good Luck to You!"

01/11/2010: Sara from The Beach, Canada replies: "i take both ACV or Turmeric while on Synthroid. my levels continue to test fine and i have been on this regimine for two years. hope this helps."

11/26/2012: Doctoreyesight from Phoenix, Az, Usa: "Hello, I have heard that the following cures high blood pressure. ACV, Aloe Vera Plant Gel, Hawthorn & Magnesium Taurate. Currently, I am on the Aloe Vera Plant Gel, and it is working on my system; However, it's only been 3 days.

I am wondering, what benefits would I get between Hawthorn & Magnesium Taurate? Similiarity and difference between Hawthorn & Magnesium Taurate? Which one should I buy as the supplement: Hawthorn or Magnesium Taurate? Thanks.

(2) I have hypothyroidism. I am 26 male. I have been on levothyroixine 75mcg for about 6 months now. I would like to cure it. I take multivitamins WITHOUT iodine due to the counteraction of iodine with levothyroxine. Anyhing I can do to cure my hypothyroidism? Thanks."

10/11/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa replies: "Sonia, there is tons of info on Hypothyroid going around nowadays, it's simply an issue of applying the correct knowledge to individual specifics. To achieve correction of your condition the method is simple ---holistic health. First step in recovering health is detoxification. Here's a E.C. link: http://earthclinic.com/CURES/detoxification.html

As an adjunct to detox, do a parasite/pathogen cleanse. After this begin supplementing an herbal and/or homeopathic endocrine formula or "multiglandular". This should jumpstart and balance your entire endocrine system which, along w/ detox, might very well solve the Thyroid prob. If not, supplement Lugols Iodine, L-Tyrosine, Zinc Lozenges. The mineral Selenium is also recommended for healthy Thyroid. Try wearing an hematite necklace (which can clean and jumpstart the T).

Hope this helps and good luck."

10/11/2012: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa replies: "Hi Sonia; There are many symptoms listed here, and you are having alot of pain. (not good) I wonder if cortisol is elevated, because you have trouble with edema from sodium, blood sugar elevated sometimes, and acne. Zinc may help with these symptoms. Also, with elevated cholesterol, premature greying of hair, and skin problems, Copper may be needed.

For memory problems, nerve pain/numbness, hair loss, and thyroid support, B12 can really help. I suggest a sublingual B12, (methylcobalamin), 1000-5000 mcg. Daily. ( Some people may need more or less).

Add a low dose of B complex. The other B's support B12, especially folate.

A typical zinc/copper dosage is, 15mg zinc and 1mg copper. ( Talk with doctor, but I don't think any more than this is necessary.)

I agree that what you're doing to help, increasing potassium foods, adding kelp and coconut oil is good, so maybe these additional supplements can resolve the other symptoms."

10/12/2012: Jennifer from New York replies: "Sonia from San Diego, I have hypothyroidism as well and what has me feeling alive again is Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. I Take Armour Thyroid, Synthroid, and some extra T3 for my hypothyroidism, but to help me with the aches and pain, slow digestion, fatigue, hair loss, and other issues I am using Ted's Remedy of ACV and baking soda. I hope this helps you, good luck!"

05/08/2012: Lisa from Rabat, Morocco replies: "You might want to check your adrenal glands. It sounds like you may have adrenal fatigue. There is a saliva test that you can take that will show your cortisol levels. Many times this goes along with being hypothyroid. You need to make sure your adrenals are healthy first, or you may have problems healing your thyroid."

05/09/2012: Jen from Bozeman, Mt, Us replies: "It sounds like you also have adrenal fatigue. You should see a naturopath or a doctor to get some testing and treatment options. There are some self tests you can do to see if it's possible you do have adrenal problems. If your heart feels like it does when you get a good scare that is called a palpatation. I have read that if it feels close to the center of your chest it is most likely caused by your thyroid. If it feels farther out towards the outer portion of your left side then it would be caused by your adrenal glands. I don't know how accurate that is but it may be helpful. I have hyperthyroid and adrenal fatigue. My adrenal glands have stopped producing the amount of cortisol (the stress hormone) my body needs. During really stressful times sometimes I have anxiety, heart palps, hyperventilation, pupil dialation, and temperature increases. Other times I just get the heart palpatations. This is because I don't have the cortisol to deal with the stress. I will take a little hydrocortisone cream and apply to my wrists when this happens. It usually works fairly quickly but if your adrenals are severly low on cortisol or high it obviously won't do much. There is a cortisol supplement called Isocort that might be helpful. Check out this site. http://www.adrenalsweb.org/

Low cortisol can be fatal in some really stressful situations so make sure to find out if this is the case. If it is high cortisol then do not use the cortisone cream. Usually a person with alot of stress for a fair amount of time will eventually get low cortisol from chronic cortisol over production to the point that your adrenals just get exhausted and can't keep up. Any kind of stress will cause it. Thyroid problems are one type of stress. This site explains why and how thyroid issues may be the cause or have been caused by adrenal fatigue. http://www.westonaprice.org/metabolic-disorders/low-metabolic-energy-therapies

Don't forget that it could also be an actual heart condition so make sure to go to a doctor to rule that out."

05/09/2012: Steve from Las Vegas, Nevada replies: "You can try some of these supplements, magnesium really helped me get through my bouts of adrenal fatigue along with a lot of valerian root. Here is a list of helpful supplements for adrenal fatigue and stress:

Vitamin-C: Of all the vitamins and minerals involved in adrenal metabolism, vitamin-C is probably the most important. It is essential to the adrenal hormone cascade and manufacture of adrenal steroid hormones. It acts as an antioxidant within the adrenal cortex. As it occurs in nature, Vitamin-C exists as a combination of ascorbic acid and certain bioflavinoids that are essential to ascorbic acid being fully metabolized and utilized by the body. Vitamin-C is water-soluble; quickly consumed or excreted from the body. It should be taken throughout the day, particularly when the body is under any kind of physical, emotional, environmental or infectious stress. Vitamin-C also stimulates the immune system.

Target dose: 2000. Mg – 5000. mg daily, divided doses, with food/meals.

Vitamin-E:Although not directly required for any part of the adrenal hormone manufacturing cascade, Vitamin-E is essential in at least six different enzymatic reactions . It absorbs and neutralizes damaging free radical molecules inside the adrenal glands. Vitamin-C enhances Vitamin-E's activity inside the cell by regenerating the capacity of vitamin-E to sequester free radicals. In order for the adrenals to maintain elevated steroid production, high amounts of vitamin-E are necessary. Adrenal regeneration is best with mixed tocopherols that include beta-tocopherols.

Target dose: 800 IU mixed tocopherols, divided doses, with food/meals.

Pantothenic Acid:One of the B-complex vitamins, pantothenic acid is essential to energy production within the adrenal glands by converting into acetyl-CoA, critical to conversion of glucose into energy. The combination of pantothenic acid with magnesium, vitamin-E and vitamin-C increases energy production and reduces fatigue on the adrenals.
Target dose: 1500. mg daily, divided doses, with food/meals.

Niacin: Large amounts of niacin are necessary to form the molecular structure of certain niacin dependent coenzymes critical for several steps in the adrenal cascade. Use "non-flushing" niacin hexanol.

Target dose: 25-50. mg daily.

Vitamin-B6:Co-factor in several of the enzymatic pathways in the adrenal cascade.
Target dose: 50-100. mg daily, divided doses, with food/meals.

B-Complex: Needed in small quantities throughout the adrenal cascade.
Target dose: 50-100. mg daily, with food/meals.

Magnesium: Acts like a spark plug for adrenals and the energy portion of every cell; essential to the production of enzymes within the adrenal hormone cascade. Increase during times of stress along with Vitamin-C and Pantothenic acid.
Target dose: 400. mg magnesium citrate, absorbed best when taken prior to bedtime.

Calcium: Helps to settle nervous system and create inner calm. Best absorbed late evening, taken with calcium. Calcium citrate best absorbed.
Target dose: 750-1000. mg daily, with food/meals.

Fiber:Mild constipation is normal in adrenal fatigue, but not healthy. Chronic constipation leads to re-absorbtion of toxins within the bowel. Adding extra fiber to the diet can normalize bowel function. As adrenals heal, the body's responses become more efficient; liver function begins to detoxify more rapidly. This means that more toxic constituents are contained in the bile that is secreted by the liver and emptied into the intestinal tract for elimination. Fiber prevents bile from becoming toxic in the large intestine by binding with it along the digestive tract. Fiber therefore helps to eliminate fat-soluble toxins from the body.

Licorice Root: An adaptogenic* herb known to increase energy, endurance, vitality; acts as a mild tonic to nurture the adrenals; strong anti-viral, anti-inflammatory action; naturally fortify cortisone levels; help decrease symptoms of hypoglycemia; improves wound healing; soothes nervous stomachs; support immune function.

Ashwagandha Root: Ancient herb from India; historical use in Ayurvedic medicine; adaptogenic herb known as Indian ginseng, although not related botanically to the ginsengs; rejuvenator of tissues, organs; promotes strength and vigor; anti-inflammatory action; shown to normalize cortisol levels, whether too high or too low. Low doses used throughout the day without drossiness; higher doses used late evening and bedtime to promote drossiness and restfulness.
Target dose: 3-5 Gm daily, divided doses; may take with food/meals.

Siberian Ginseng Root: Not botanically a ginseng; adaptogenic herb that supports and rejuvenates adrenal function, increases resistance to stress, normalizes metabolism, down-regulates stress hormones; reverses mental fatigue; increases energy, stamina, endurance; anti-depressant properties have demonstrated its ability to calm anxiousness, improve sleeping, diminish lethargy, lessen irritability, induce sense of well-being; normalize blood sugar; strengthen immune function; increase resistance to environmental pollutants; improve Vitamin-Bs absorption, decrease Vitamin-C loss; more normalizing than stimulatory in its effects on adrenals.
Target dose: No information available at this time

American Ginseng Root:A true ginseng, suitable for men and women; energetically considered a "cooling" herb; adaptogenic; builds energy and stamina; supports immune functions; may have an androgenic characteristic by increasing DHEA.
Target dose: 500. mg twice daily, morning and early afternoon; may take with food/meals.

Ginger Root: Adaptogenic; helps modulate cortisol levels, normalize blood pressure & heart rate; stimulate digestive enzymes; circulatory herb; increase fluidity throughout tissues; increase energy & metabolic rate; anti-nauseant.

Ginkgo Leaf: When under stress, the adrenals suffer tremendous oxidative stress; this leads to significant increases in free radicals within those cells that make the needed hormones. If the free radicals generated in this process are not neutralized, the production of hormones is slowed and tissue damage increases within the cells. Ginkgo acts as a powerful anti-oxidant that neutralizes free radical production, protecting the adrenals, brain and liver.
Target dose: No information available at this time

*Adaptogenicherbs such as Rhodiola support the body during stressful periods; physical, emotional, or environmental stressors; feed & nurture tissues, organ systems to reverse damage done by stress; may also strengthen immune function; build energy and stamina over time."

05/09/2012: Anon from Orlando, Fl replies: "Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone for all your replies. Oh my gosh, once you guys said it I realized that I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue in 2009 but never took any treatment for it. I did have my heart checked out and it was fine so it has to be my adrenals. However, I believe it was Jen that pointed out that if the discomfort feels like it is in the center of the chest which mine is then it could also be the thyroid. Now does this mean that maybe I need more medication? Thank you again everyone for your response. You guys are awesome.... God Bless"

01/05/2012: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Start researching iodine. Google David Brownstein. He has written an excellent book on the subject. Iodine is needed for the thyroid to function."

01/01/2012: Louwrence from Rustenburg, North West South Africa replies: "Hi Eva, Look up iodine deficiency & hypothyroid & also go to youtube where they show you how to test if you are lacking iodine. This is the only way you willfix your thyroid & hypothyroid can lead to numerous other problems. Synthroid will not solve your problem."

09/21/2011: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines replies: "Hi Laura... A lack of iodine/iodide can affect the mind causing brain fog, lethargy, lack of energy etc. Other hypothyroid symptoms, depending on the severity of iodine deficiency, can also occur, such as :

Exhaustion or fatigue, depression, sensitive to cold or cold hands and feet, weight gain, muscle and joint pains, carpal tunnel, muscle cramps, dry eyes, dry mouth, painful soles of the feet, goiter, swollen or puffy face, eyes, arms or legs, menstrual abnormalities, fuzzy head, constipation, uterine and breast cyst formation, thickening skin, voice changes, increased response to allergies (itching, prickly hot skin, rashes, urticaria), regular infections such as sinus or thrush, dry hair, skin and nails, hair loss, increased cholesterol levels, weight gain, thin eyebrows (outer third), high cholesterol (which doesn't respond to medication), or haven't been well since an infection/virus.

Specific eye problems associated with hypothyroidism are given here:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/226819-eye-problems-associated-with-hypothyroidism/

Also, by way of possible resolution, please see a comment that I've just written concerning Lugol's Iodine(aqueous iodine/iodide) use for hypothyroidism, which is here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/iodine2.html#GF_63631"